Proposals to press ahead with MOT frequency change have been put into disarray (along with most other government plans) due to the current leadership contest.
While Baroness Vere of Norbiton, the minister responsible for the roads and DVSA brief, has remained in post since 2019 it seems clear that the department is not making any new policy announcements until a new party leader is in post.
Frequency change, where the MOT test is required for most light vehicles four years and older every 24 months instead of three years and 12 months as is the current situation, was suggested by Transport Secretary Grant Schapps earlier in the year when the Cabinet was tasked with coming up with ways to ‘save the taxpayer money’.
READ: MOT Frequency comes up for debate… Again
Despite having been successfully shouted down by trade bodies, road safety groups and other concerned parties numerous times in the past, there is a feeling around the aftermarket that this time it might come to pass.
“The debate around the MOT frequency has proven of great concern to the trade. The current Conservative Party leadership contest has thrown further uncertainty onto the next steps of the leaked plans to extend the MOT. The industry is united in its stance, and we have plans underway to take our message further beyond the IAAF membership, which will rely on the support of members” commented Mark Field of the IAAF.
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Okay, if the MOT was not fit for purpose you need to change it, but it works very well. Government’s always feel it has to change things.
I am still an MOT tester,50 years in the motor trade owned a small garage with testing station and we all know if it was 4-2-2 a lot more accidents and unfortunately death’s would occur due to safety items not being replaced. My customer’s have never complained about bringing their vehicle in for an MOT because it’s peace of mind for them.